Fall is here, but the risks are not cooling down. The team unpacks recent events, upcoming events, and highlights from recent conferences and travels. By all measures, fall is going to be something. Stay up on the talk and join the conversation at protectiontalk@outlook.comChuck Randolph & Chris Story

As the busy season kicks off, the team pauses to reflect on two significant industry events they recently attended. They dive into their experiences at the annual Threat Management Conference (TMC) hosted by the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and CTG's 8th Annual Physical Cyber Convergence Forum in Phoenix. Both gatherings of…

The CiCP team takes time out of their summer travels to discuss recent events, including the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, recent global network issues, and revelations about North Korean agents working inside well-known cybersecurity companies. Don't forget to rate us and send us your comments to protectiontalk@outlook.…

The team breaks tradition in this month's Shop Talk and welcomes an exceptional visitor. Former CiCP guest, bestselling author, and former US State Department Special Agent Fred Burton, who also served as the Chief of Counterterrorism and Assistant Director for Intelligence and Counterterrorism at the Texas Department of Public Safety and former Ch…

Uriah Riley's journey in the close protection industry illustrates his unwavering dedication to learning and growth. While many individuals transition from the military to the private sector, Uriah took the opposite path. He entered the Air Force Reserves after embarking on a career in protective operations, seeking to expand his expertise in the i…

Security oversight is a double-edged sword, with many in the industry juggling roles as practitioners and administrators. Even within larger organizations that support distinct leadership functions, those in middle management often find themselves balancing hands-on tasks with supervisory responsibilities. Join the team as they catch up with Eablem…

Get ready for a compelling blend of global affairs and lively conversation! We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Treston Wheat, the mastermind behind the acclaimed 'Geopolitics and Gin' blog. Dr. Wheat, a security expert and our favorite PhD, will guide us through today's most pressing geopolitical issues, offering insights for protectors and leaders…

The ides of March are here, and, accordingly, the CiCP team is taking time to break down some recent news regarding the threatscape. This time, they deep dive into: Threats against healthcare systems, CA Senate bill 553 (or is it 533!?!) Asymmetric threats posed by digital risks such as AI or Deepfakes Using software aimed at other industries (like…

The CiCP team is privileged to have Ivan Ivanovich, a renowned protector who advocates for a proactive, intelligence-driven approach emphasizing prevention and readiness. From his extensive executive protection experience across diverse regions like the Balkans and Latin America, Ivan offers a unique perspective. He argues that the traditional imag…

Metrics are an essential tool for measuring performance, efficiency, and reliability in any organization, big or small. However, getting started with metrics can be daunting. In this episode, the team speaks with Jim McConnell, a seasoned security expert with over 30 years of experience managing security organizations. Jim shares his expertise in d…

Happy MMXXIV. After a much-needed break from the action, the team returns with thoughts on immediate risks, opportunities, and issues affecting the protective risk community. The new year comes out of the gate, looking much like the one we just left. What should you be thinking about as we roll into 2024! protectiontalk@outlook.com…

As we approach Protector's week, the CiCP team grabs some air time with the editor-in-chief of the IPSB's "Close Protection and Security Journal," Doctor Treston Wheat, and the Close Protection Conference 23 lead, Bryan Flannery. More than a readout, both speak to the power of volunteering, making the industry greater and how the industry has evolv…

Happy Thanksgiving week - the CiCP team is poised to engage in discussions that promise to dispel any lingering tryptophan-induced haze. Join us as we delve into recent and upcoming symposiums and conferences, spotlighting the IPSB's Close Protection Conference. Additionally, we address inquiries about individual planning for the forthcoming year, …

In light of Mental Health Awareness Month, we converse about it with one of our own - Katherine Luther. She founded the Luther Method, which specializes in personal resilience protocols. She also serves as the Director of Operations for Viplomat Protection.Chuck Randolph and Chris Story

Fall is here. With the change over from summer comes the continued changing threat environment. Join the team as they break down some issues and emerging risks. Your CiCP team discusses some recent conferences they have attended (including the recent Mexican Close Protection gathering and the Sam Houston State. Critical Infrastructure Thought Leade…

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Ed McCormack, progenitor of the modern FBI protection division and former Head of Security for one of America's most high-networth families and one of the oldest consulting firms in the United States. Ed is a pioneer in the field of security and protection, and he has decades of experience protecting some…

This week, CiCP caught up with the incredibly busy and accomplished Dr. Michael Guirguis. He's not your average professional; he's the Chief Medical Officer at Raven Medical Support Group, an Emergency Room Physician, a Law Enforcement Flight Physician, and more. We had an insightful discussion with him about the importance of tactical medical over…

It's time for shoptalk, and the August edition comes in just under the wire. As always, there is a lot to discuss, and the team discusses current events affecting the security industry. Listen as we unpack the unique risk issues surrounding social media and online gaming influencers, information security around mobile apps, threats aimed at politic…

Ross Hill's career took root in curiosity, a quality that has kept him forward-thinking amidst the ever-evolving corporate intelligence industry. As a [reluctant] leader in the space, Ross emphasizes the importance of actionable intelligence that challenges preconceived notions, enabling policymakers via pertinent information. He advocates breaking…

Lauren Wygant's path might sound familiar: from high school athlete to becoming a secret agent and, eventually, a corporate security specialist. However, Lauren's journey has been purposeful and deliberate. Throughout her personal and professional life, she has remained deeply connected to her "why," serving as a guiding force. Having previously wo…

It's July Shop Talk, and there's much to cover. This time we find the team discussing the recent conferences they have attended and Russian events, including the recent change of venue by the Wagner Group, an assassination attempt on Putin, and a "resurgence" of wet work activity. They also discuss recent decisions by the Supreme Court affecting th…

Join the team as they explore the genesis of the Marine Corps Hunter program (established in 2007 by General James "Mad Dog" Mattis to equip Marines with cutting-edge combat skills) with Arcadia Cognerati's Greg Williams and Brian Marren. Greg Williams, a highly experienced veteran and intelligence leader, shaped the Combat Hunter program. With a d…

Practitioner, Mother, Author, Producer, Publisher, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Spouse, and Partner are a few ways to describe Alana Stott. In our discussion, the recently inducted Member of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) talks about her passion for excellence and what it takes to keep a security business, and brand, moving f…

It's been a hot minute, so the team discusses current headlines affecting the security industry. As well as catching up, the conversation centers around a few recent articles highlighting deteriorating risk levels in big cities and the consequences on people, assets, and security providers. Conversations around AI and the resurrection of the monthl…

As the first quarter ends, your CiCP team gathers to talk about the headlines and discuss interesting and poignant news. It's a cavalcade of continuing conversations that include ramifications from power grid attacks, letterbombs sent to journalists, the 2023 annual threat assessment, Haiti, a new U.K. security agency that aims to assist the commun…

Shawn Ryan has traversed multiple paths - US Navy Seal, Cleared Contractor for the Department of State and the Central Intelligence Agencies, Real Estate Broker, and Tactical Trainer - he has pursued a series of passions resulting in the creation of the wildly popular long-form youtube channel and interview podcast, "The Shawn Ryan Show." On his sh…

Diversity is an essential topic in the workplace, and the security field is no different. This week we are joined by Eric Jorgenson and Yari Mcbride from Concentric Advisors, Elizabeth Springs from Uber, and Shannon Gibson from a private family office as we discuss diversity across the board. Originally, this was the Close Protection Conference pan…

We are well into the second month of 2023, and there is no shortage of topics and trending news bytes to examine. This month's Shop Talk has the team discussing risks identified by various former US homeland Security Executives - Is Run, Hide, Fight outdated - Hazards to religious organizations - Threats to Public Officials, and John Wick's Stalker…

Bodyguards for Kids fundraising event for the children of St. Jude is a two-day virtual educational event on March 18 & 19. the activity will bring over 15 subject matter experts from different countries to provide talks and presentations on industry-specific topics, and 100% of all proceeds will go directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital…

From Private Detective to Protective Intelligence Technologist Tom (TK) Kopecky has used an expeditionary mindset to help direct and focus the work. From a stint working for the state of Illinois to crafting the protective intelligence strategies for high net-worth individuals, he has managed his career with one eye on the operational activities an…

CiCP starts the year with a Sesquipedalian episode examining issues and events affecting the security and risk industry. The team discusses dusting off protocols for working with Law Enforcement, FBI warnings concerning threats against minors, and compounding issues from the January 6th riots. They also consider the gaps in risk management, highlig…

Education and training are essential elements in all jobs - doubly so for the protective security industry and those involved in more martial sectors. Owning the basic skillsets of the job is something practitioners must relentlessly pursue in an effort to prevent the unforeseen from rearing its head. Miyamoto Musashi said, "A thousand days of trai…

It's Christmas Eve... Eve and the team get together to have our annual "what to watch in your downtime" discussion. Join Chuck, Chris, and Aaron as we muse over Christopher McQuarrie's "Way of The Gun." We discuss tactics, plot, why James Caan's character is fantastic, and invent a new game involving "John Wick." Happy Holidays to all! Let us know …

The International Protective Security Board's (IPSB) annual Close Protection Conference has just concluded, and the team gives their take on this year's gathering. From the presentations to the fantastic sponsors and exhibitors area, Chuck and Chris discuss their quick interpretations and why they remain excited about everything within the protecti…

The idea of the "international practitioner" is a goal often sought by many in the security, protection, and risk industry. While achievable, it requires adaptability and the presence of mind to see opportunities and not allow yourself to be stuck. On this "close protection week," we catch up with EP Wired founder and SCS - Security Crisis Solution…

We all deal with setbacks. Small or large, they often cause us to doubt our actions, ability, and even values unconsciously. Without even realizing it - a reversal of momentum can have long-lasting effects on career and personal growth. Join us as we discuss dealing with bureaucratic machines, starting a security consultancy, and maintaining your c…

Risk encompasses many vectors. This week we step back to gain insight and awareness into three different but tangentially essential elements in risk management; protective, cyber, and privacy. Joined by Asymmetric Response's Tom Ryan and Privacy Attorney Jen Sander, the team discusses converged threats, response, and management best practices. Plea…

It's been a minute, but the team is back to examine recent and relevant events to protectors, practitioners, and the more significant risk and security industry. This month the team discusses efforts to bring security to Haiti, Shinzo Abe assassination probes, a break-in and assault at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's home, and The hacking of the New Y…

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to a threat standing in your bedroom doorway. With no prior training or experience, that is precisely the moment Donna Miles and her then-husband faced. Listen to her harrowing story, learn how the couple reacted, and how she used it to reshape her life, empower others to manage their mindset, and become…

With the team on the road, Chuck managed to grab multiple protectors and have a quick discussion about GSX '22 and the industry. Join the conversation and send your thoughts to protectiontalk@outlook.comChuck Randolph and Chris Story

GSX is leading this month's early edition of shoptalk as your CiCP team discusses issues of interest to the protective risk community. Join the team and listen in as they discuss the recent attempt to assassinate the VP (and former President) of Argentina, the targeting of an heiress, Alicia Keys brush with her audience, HNW prepping, positive feed…

From a Devil Dog to a global security leader, Matt Bohatch has used flexibility and personal awareness as foundational principles in his career. Joining the United States Marine Corps when it was pretty certain you would find yourself in a combat theater, Matt used the skills he acquired as a Marine Embassy Security Guard to launch a successful clo…

Risks continue, which means there is never a lack of issues for the team to discuss. Please join the conversation as the team CiCP examines recent developments in Haiti, assassination attempts and attacks, and why protectors should take that recent Apple cyber security announcement seriously. We take time to discuss risk as a tool for network expan…

From a desire to enter the sportscasting arena, Wendy Bashnan quickly pivoted to a life in Law Enforcement fueled by a desire to be in Diplomatic Security. Wendy takes a career worth of experience and talks to the team about what she learned and how she used those lessons to pivot into a corporate security leadership role with a Fortune 500 organiz…

Humbleness, gratitude, honest self-assessment, and a desire to learn are all things anyone starting in the security industry should keep forefront of their mindset. But what if you already have a successful career and four world MMA world championship titles? The famous martial artist Bruce Lee said, "If nothing within you stays rigid, outward thin…

Summertime is here, and it continues to be heated in the security field. With half the team on the road, it's a caffeine-fueled deep dive into the issues. Including the NYC nuclear attack public service announcement, the late John McAfee's bodyguard's legal matters, large retailers shuttering stores over safety concerns, perceptions about risk miti…

In this archive edition, the team is joined by Bryan Flannery for a special episode discussing managing the protective environment within a house of worship and religious organizations. Bryan is the President of Foresight Security Consulting and the President of the Northwest Chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). He …

Motorcycle showman Evil Knievel said, "I think if you have ability and talent in one way, you have it in all ways. I'm not a jack of all trades; I'm a master of many. I don't feel there is anything I can't do if I want to."~ Being a multifaced lifelong learner is one element in many successful practitioners and leaders. Listen to the team breakdown…

The team caught up with former US Army Ranger, Protective Security Detail Operator, and Corporate Security Specialist Brad Shepherd in Ukraine, where he is operating to deliver needed medical supplies and training resources. With connections to Chris and Chuck, he details how he came to serve in Ukraine (and many other global hotspots), what it tak…

What do reporters, protectors, and intelligence analysts all have in common? The North Group's Vice President of Communications, Natasha Ryan, joins the team this week to discuss that and more. Natasha brings a unique perspective to the industry via her background as a reporter and her time in the media and communications industry. She talks about …